thru May 27 - Pat Passlof: Selections 1948 - 2011 - The Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center is pleased to announce the upcoming exhibition, Pat Passlof: Selections 1948-2011 focusing on the work of painter Pat Passlof, an accomplished Black Mountain College alumna, member of the New York School and under-recognized figure in the development of Abstract Expressionism. The exhibition will open at the museum in downtown Asheville on January 27, 2012 with a reception from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. A companion show will open at Western Carolina University's Fine Art Museum the night before. This collaboration between the two museums will enable us to show a significant number of works by Passlof, from her early work made while a student of Willem de Kooning at BMC to her final paintings made in 2011. Ms. Passlof recently passed away at the age of 83.

thru June 29 - Torqued & Twisted: Bentwood Today - Torqued & Twisted, a new exhibition at UNC Asheville's Center for Craft, Creativity & Design, explores the work of nine furniture makers and sculptors from the United States who use the technique of bending wood in innovative, unusual and eloquent ways.

thru May 18 - Leadership Asheville Now Accepting Applications - Leadership Asheville, the region’s foremost community leadership development organization since 1982, is accepting applications for the LA 31 Program through Friday, May 18. Beginning in September, the 9-month program’s unique format makes the community the classroom, bringing people together from all sectors who are interested in strengthening their knowledge of, commitment to, and involvement in collaborative leadership and community service. Participants develop an in-depth understanding about the place in which they live and acquire the skills and tools necessary to contribute in a variety of leadership roles. For more information on the organization and to apply to the LA 31 Program, visit the Leadership Asheville website at www.leadershipasheville.org.

thru July 8 - Fire on the Mountain: Studio Glass in Western North Carolina - Visit www.ashevilleart.org.

thru October 28 - Artworks Project Space: Hoss Haley Installation - Visit www.ashevilleart.org.

thru August 26 - The Essential Idea: Robert Motherwell’s Graphic Works - Visit www.ashevilleart.org.

thru May 26 - Mountin' Hopes Therapeutic Riding Center - Are you interested in helping people and do you like horses? Mountin’ Hopes provides therapeutic horseback riding to children and adults who are physically, mentally and emotionally challenged. No prior experience is needed but you will need to attend a volunteer training session. The Spring riding sessions is April 2, 2012 to May 26, 2012 and we ride on the following days and times. Monday afternoon (3 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm); Friday (9 am, 10 am, 11 am) and Saturday (9 am, 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm). The location is in Marshall, NC at ‘Horse Sense of the Carolinas’ which is about 25 minutes from downtown Asheville. Please call Laura Nelson at 828-884-5824 for more information or email execdir@mountinhopes.org. Our website has more detailed info and some videos about our program: www.mountinhopes.org

thru May 30 - Festival of Flowers - Enjoy even more of Biltmore in Asheville, NC with special seasonal events. From Christmas at Biltmore's awe-inspiring decorations to Festival of Flowers' amazing blooms, our events give you a new, fun way to experience the estate. Visit biltmore.com for more information.

thru May 20 - Our Show of Shows - Flat Rock Playhouse, Flat Rock, NC. Visit flatrockplayhouse.org for tickets and information.

thru June 20 - Grassroots Arts Program Grant - The City of Asheville Cultural Arts Division will begin posting application forms and guidelines for the North Carolina Arts Council’s Grassroots Arts Program Grant on Friday, May 4th, 2012. All applications will be due by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 20, 2012. Application forms and grant guidelines will be available on Friday, May 4th on the City of Asheville website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks or may be picked up at the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts office in City Hall (70 Court Plaza, 4th Floor Asheville, NC 28801) Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Applications and guidelines can be mailed upon request.Grant amounts can range from $500 to $5,000 per application for a total of approximately $45,000 to be awarded throughout Buncombe County . Funding will be awarded for projects that occur between July 1, 2012 and May 31, 2013. Grant recipients will be announced in July, 2012.

- Asheville Tourists Baseball - Away game. At Greenville. Visit theashevilletourists.com for more info.

- Cookie Night at the John Keever Solace Center - Visit www.handsonasheville.org for more information and to sign up to volunteer. Help bake homemade cookies for hospice patients and their families at CarePartners' John Keever Solace Center. The Solace Center provides compassionate, appropriate care and symptom control for terminally ill patients and support to their families. The sweet smell of warm baked-goods and friendly volunteer-presence brings comfort and a sense of home. Baking supplies will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your favorite cookie recipe and your own ingredients if you wish. Bring a big heart and a big appetite (sampling is encouraged!)

- ReFresh Leadership Live - Don't miss your chance to join us on Wednesday, May 16, for the Refresh Leadership Live Simulcast. This event was specifically designed with business leaders like you in mind. From athletics to academia, you won't want to miss this dynamic lineup of speakers, including Patrick Lencioni, Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Dr. Bertice Berry. Wednesday, May 16, 2012 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. AB Tech Asheville Campus Ferguson Auditorium. Lunch will be provided. (828) 654-8101

- Southeast Regional Folk Alliance - Four award winning song writers will perform at White Horse Black Mountain on Wednesday, May 16 at 7:30. Coming to town for the Southeast Regional Folk Alliance, Marc Black, John Batdorf, Friction Farm and Kim Richardson are to perform at the White Horse Black Mountain on Wednesday, May 16, 7:30 the evening before their event begins. This will be a rare opportunity to hear these four forceful voices on one stage. White Horse Black Mountain is located at 105 Montreat Rd. Black Mountain, NC. For tickets and more information: www.whitehorseblackmountain.com. 828.669.0816 . Tickets are $10.

May 17 thru June 10 - Nunsense - Flat Rock Playhouse PLAYHOUSE DOWNTOWN, Hendersonville, NC. Visit flatrockplayhouse.org for tickets and information.

May 17 - Asheville Tourists Baseball - HOME GAME! Vs. Hickory. Visit theashevilletourists.com..

May 17 - Contra Dance - Warren-Wilson College. Starts at 8 pm. Beginners Lessons at 7:30pm. Non-members $6, OFB members $5, Warren Wilson students $1. Music by Devanney's Goat with caller Jesse Edgerton. OFB Thursday Dance Hot-Line (828) 258-4809.

May 17 - Heritage Treasures Tour to Visit Yadkin Valley Wine Country - Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. Day Trip to Yadkin Valley Wine Country. Thursday, May 17, 2012, 7:30 am to 8 pm. Trip departs Blue Ridge Parkway Destination Center , Milepost 384, two miles south of the Folk Art Center in Asheville. The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Partnership is sponsoring a “Heritage Treasures” tour—a day trip to the vineyards and wineries in the Yadkin Valley on Thursday, May 17. The excursion will begin at 7:30 am in the parking lot of the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center , located at milepost 384 in Asheville , where travelers will board a deluxe motor coach for the trip. Cost for the trip is $99 pp based on a minimum of 25 paying persons. Full payment must be received by May 14. Call Amy Hollifield , 828-298-5330, ext. 301, or email her at amy@blueridgeheritage.com for more information and to make reservations.

May 17 - Trout Fishing & Picnic Lunch at Buck Creek Trout Farm - Thursday, May 17th; leave from the JCC at 10:00 am $5 JCC members; $10 general community. Members: car-pool drivers will be reimbursed. No need for waders or high boots! We will be fishing from the shore of Buck Creek Trout Farm’s ponds. They will supply fishing rods, bait, and will teach us how to fish. They’ll also clean what you catch, and the cost is only $5 per pound. Bring your lunch, drinks, and a small cooler to take home your catch. Please RSVP to Dan Pincu by May 10th, at daniel.pincu@gmail.com or call 828-296 0309.

May 17 - UNCA Baseball - Vs. Gardner-Webb, 3PM. Www.uncabulldogs.com.

May 18 thru May 19 - Heritage Group Tour: “Wine-ing Through the Yadkin Valley - The trip originates on May 17 in the parking lot of the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center, located at Milepost 384 on the Parkway in south Asheville. The two-day travel package includes transportation, a visit to four Yadkin Valley wineries with wine tastings, two small town tours, admission to two museums, a traditional music jam session at the historic EARLE Theatre in Mount Airy, two meals and overnight accommodations at a Hampton Inn.Cost for the trip is $199 per person, double occupancy, or $261 single, based on a minimum of 40 paying persons. For more information or to make reservations, contact Amy Hollifield , 828-298-5330 x 301, or email: amy@blueridgeheritage.com.

May 18 thru May 19 - Asheville Ballet's Sleeping Beauty - 7:30pm each night at Diana Wortham Theatre in downtown Asheville. Full length classical ballet to Tchaikovsky’s richest music, featuring the original Petipa choreography. Performed by Asheville Ballet's professional dancers and outstanding trainees from around the region, with entirely new elaborate costumes especially designed and made for this production. Tickets: Adult $40/$30/$20, Seniors $15, Students and Children (12 & under) $15, Military families & Girl Scouts $15.

May 18 thru May 20 - Bring Your Daughter to Clemson Weekend - Girls may catch Clemson fever May 18-20 during the 14th annual Bring Your Daughter to Clemson Weekend hosted by the Clemson Women’s Alumni Council. Visit clemson.edu.

May 18 - Asheville Tourists Baseball - HOME GAME! Vs. Hickory. Visit theashevilletourists.com..

May 18 - OFB Monthly Advanced Dance - 8-11 pm at the Pavilion, Warren Wilson College. Music by Flying the Tune (June Advincula & Lew Gelfond) with caller Barbara Groh. OFB members $5, Non-members $6, Warren Wilson students $1. Advanced Dances are complex dances with little or no walk-throughs and no beginner instruction. The contras will be challenging and are aimed at experienced dancers.

May 18 - UNCA Baseball - Vs. Gardner-Webb, 3PM. Www.uncabulldogs.com.

May 18 - Velvet Truckstop - The Asheville Downtown Association is proud to bring together some of the best musicians in our area and throughout the Southeast for Downtown After 5! Visit ashevilledowntown.org.

May 19 - 9th Annual Montford Music and Arts Festival - The largest one day free music and arts festival in WNC held on two streets- Montford and Soco; with over 100 vendors of art, crafts, plants and food; two stages with non stop entertainment from 20 groups and a children’s area. Located down from Asheville Visitors Center in Historic Montford with on street parking, bike corral. Held rain or shine. 10am-7pm See: www.montfordfestival.com 828-255-0249 Or Sharon Fahrer fahrer@charter.net

May 19 - Asheville Tourists Baseball - HOME GAME! Vs. Hickory. Visit theashevilletourists.com..

May 19 - Bachatea'me - 10:30pm-2am third Saturday of every month at Tomato Cocina Latina. Bachata dance is all about the flow of movement of your hips, often described as a sexy swing from side to side. 18 and up (with ID). Ladies $5 (all night), Gentlemen $7 / $10 After 11:30PM. Dress Code: Casual Attire (no ball caps). Panama Hats encouraged.

May 19 - Beginning Argentine Tango Workshop with Instructors Ted and Kimberly Ross - Noon-2pm at Asheville Ballroom & Dance Centre, 991 Sweeten Creek Rd. in Asheville. $20 per person in advance / $25 at the door. Call (828) 274-8320 to register and receive a 20% discount.

May 19 - Contra Dance - 8-11pm at River Falls Lodge above Marietta, SC in northern Greenville County. Presented by the Harvest Moon Folk Society. Music by Devanney's Goat (Colin Lindsay, Glen Loper, Brendan Taaffe, Stefan Amidon) with caller Jesse Edgerton. Potluck 6:30, Lesson 7:30. Ages 14-17 - $5, 18 and above - $8. Info hotline 864-836-2986. For general information call David White at 828-545-0689

May 19 - Glass Making Workshop - The Asheville Art Museum is delighted to announce a series of upcoming glass programs, beginning with a Glass Making Workshop on Saturday, May 19 at the Asheville Glass Center, located in the River Arts District. From 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. participants will learn hands-on glass making techniques from renowned glass artist Rob Levin, whose works have been featured in public and private collections around the world. Levin is currently featured in Fire on the Mountain: Studio Glass in Western North Carolina, and has works included in the Museum's Permanent Collection. Early registration is recommended by May 11. The program cost is $250 for Museum Members and $300 for non-Members; call 828.253.3227 to register.

May 19 - In the Garden - Visit www.handsonasheville.org for more information and to sign up to volunteer. Volunteers will be getting the Emma Community Garden prepared for the new season: working the beds, seeding and mulching. Volunteers should wear seasonal work clothes, gardening gloves and sturdy shoes. Please bring enthusiasm, sunscreen, and a water bottle. For volunteer age requirements, see "requirements" above/right.

May 19 - Kids Care: 7-12 year olds - Visit www.handsonasheville.org for more information and to sign up to volunteer. Kids are eager and excited to give to others, but it can sometimes be difficult to find age appropriate volunteer activities for children. This is a project where 7-12 year olds are the volunteers! Each month's project will involve an age-appropriate learning component and a hands-on activity. Parents or guardians are required to stay onsite and are asked to actively participate with their children. ***Adult volunteers not needed unless bringing youth participants.***

May 19 - Montford Music and Arts Festival - Begins 10am, Rain or Shine on Montford Avenue between Cullowhee & Waneta streets. No Pets.

May 19 - Saluda Arts Festival - The quaint mountain village of Saluda, NC celebrates its heritage and arts with more than 50 diverse forms of art media. Music representing Americana, blues, folk, and contemporary will be ongoing during the day. Watch artist painting, weaving, making pottery, black smithing. Children may explore and create in the Children’s Tent. Visit saluda.com to see more information about the festival.

May 19 - Saluda Arts Festival - In downtown Saluda, NC. Music includes One Leg Up. Visit http://www.saluda.com.

May 19 - Saturday Formal Ballroom Dance - Asheville Ballroom & Dance Centre. Dress to impress and join us for the best in Ballroom and Latin dancing. The evening will start with a lesson at 7:00pm then dancing 8:00pm-11:00pm. Roni Dallar will be spinning tunes and taking your requests. Admission $5 for the lesson, $10 for the dance or $14 for both. Light snacks and sodas will be served, and a cash bar is available for beer and wine. For more information please call 828-274-8320

May 19 - Southern Lights Gala ~ 30th Anniversary Dance - Southern Lights Square and Round Dance Club at the Whitmire Activity Building, Lily Pond Rd, Hendersonville. Advanced dance at 6 pm. Early rounds at 7 pm. Squares and rounds at 7:30 pm. Caller: Stan Russell. Come Celebrate 30 Years With Us! For information call 828-696-9198 or 828-883-5706.

May 19 - Spring Birds for Sight and Sound - Join RiverLink for a series of guided nature walks on the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay! The best way to develop an appreciation and understanding of the natural world is by getting out there and experiencing the beauty firsthand. Keep that New Year's resolution and get fit in body and mind while exploring the wonderful treasures the greenway system has to offer. The new season is set to begin in February and extend through August. To volunteer to help lead a tour, suggest ideas for topic themes, or any other questions regarding the program, contact worth@riverlink.org, or call at (828) 252-8474 x 17.

May 19 - Sustainable Living Workshop: Water Rams - 10:00 a.m. – Noon. Learn how these simple hydraulic pumps that have been used for over 100 years in WNC work and buy one for your household. Program fee $15. Eco-wnc.org.

May 19 - Teacher's Pet - Visit www.handsonasheville.org for more information and to sign up to volunteer. Volunteers will create educational materials like flashcards and games that will be used in and out of the Asheville City and Buncombe County Schools elementary classrooms to help children improve their basic academic skills while making learning fun. Instruction and materials will be provided. Volunteers should wear comfortable, casual clothes and be ready to have fun while making a difference to the youth of our community.

May 19 - UNCA Baseball - Vs. Gardner-Webb, 1PM. Www.uncabulldogs.com.

May 20 - Asheville Tourists Baseball - HOME GAME! Vs. Hickory. Visit theashevilletourists.com..

May 20 - Contra Dance - 2:30-5:30pm at the Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center in Jonesborough, TN. Music by Spring Chickens with Open Microphone for callers led by Noah Grunzweig. Class for beginners at 2:00pm. Admission $7, $5 HJDS members and $5 students.

May 20 - English Country Dance - 4:00-6:30 pm, 3:45 beginners' session, at Homewood Event and Conference Center, 19 Zillicoa St., in the Montford area, Asheville. Leader: Bob Thompson. Music: George & Linda Schissler, Esther Holsen, Michael Garner. $6/$5 for OFB members. Dress comfortably. Fragrance free. No partner necessary. Bring your own source of water. More info: call 828-230-8449

May 20 - Kids Cooking with Kate - Shalom Early Childhood Director Kate Donaldson teaches Cooking to children ages 3-5. You can leave your child with Kate for them to do a healthy cooking project that incorporates art, literature and movement as well. Cooking is a great way for children to enhance communication, teamwork, math, science, and fine motor skills! All food is included and your child will be served the lunch that they make! Allergies, nutritional information and kosher specifications are always in consideration here. Advance registration is required. Class size is limited to 6. Register with rochelle@jcc-asheville.org or ext. 111. 253-0701

May 20 - La Fille Mal Gardee - The Peace Center for the Performing Arts, Greenville, SC. For tickets and information, visit http://www.peacecenter.org.

May 20 - Little Hump Hike - Come celebrate SAHC's partnership with USFWS and Highland Brewing Co. with a hike to Little Hump Mountain in the beautiful Highlands of Roan! Learn all about Little Hump, Highland's latest seasonal beer's namesake, and experience why it is so deserving of the publicity. Bring a packed lunch to enjoy. We'll return the way we came. Look forward to post-hike refreshments on SAHC protected property. We will start on the SAHC owned National Trails Tract in Roaring Creek Valley, in the Highlands of Roan and make our way to Little Hump. Plan on bringing warm clothes as it can be quite chilly in the Roan even in the middle of Summer.

May 20 - Music By the Lake - 5-7pm at Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock. Featuring One Leg Up.

May 20 - Sunday Contra And Waltz - :30-5pm at River Falls Lodge above Marietta, SC in northern Greenville County. Presented by the Harvest Moon Folk Society. Waltzing 1:30-2pm; Dance 2-5pm. Music by Inexplicabillies (David White, Wes Maluk, Joel McConnell) with caller Jesse Edgerton. Ages 14-17 - $5, 18 and above - $8. Info hotline 864-836-2986. For general information call David White at 828-545-0689

May 21 - Asheville Tourists Baseball - HOME GAME! Vs. Greenville. Visit theashevilletourists.com..

May 21 - Contra Dance - 8pm at the Grey Eagle in Asheville. Music by Boom Chuck (Laurie Fisher, Nic Coker and Ray Cooper) with caller AnneMarie Walter. Admission $7.

May 21 - Safe Space for Family Time - Visit www.handsonasheville.org for more information and to sign up to volunteer. The Mediation Center's Family Visitation Program provides supervised visitation and safe exchange for families in conflict. The Program has a variety of toys for children to play with while visiting with their parents at the facility. Volunteers will tidy and organize the play rooms, check to ensure that all toys are functional and safe, and disinfect all toys using an eco-friendly, child-safe baking soda & vinegar solution. Throughout the year, volunteers will also have the opportunity to help brighten the children’s areas with seasonal decorations to make the space more cheerful and kid-friendly. Email the Project Coordinator to inquire about the next upcoming decorating project date. Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, and bring your creative decorating skills! This is a family-friendly project.

May 22 - Asheville Tourists Baseball - HOME GAME! Vs. Greenville. Visit theashevilletourists.com..

May 22 - Fair Trade Stock-Up - Visit www.handsonasheville.org for more info and to sign up to volunteer. Ten Thousand Villages is a non-profit, fair-trade retail store that sells handcrafted items made by artisans in more than 30 developing countries providing them with much needed income. Volunteers will assist with unpacking and pricing the merchandise so it can be placed on the sales floor. Attention to detail is appreciated. There is also the opportunity to haul bags of recycling to recycling center afterwards. Please wear comfortable, casual clothing.

May 22 - Knee & Ankle Injuries, Prevention & Treatment for Runners & Hikers - Tuesday, May 22nd at 6 pm. Keith Silcox (DC, MEd, ATC) with Active Care Chiropractic and Exercise Rehab, will present a program at Diamond Brand on how runners and hikers can prevent nasty knee and ankle injuries from happening, as well as how to treat existing injuries. The presentation will include proprioceptive exercise, stretching, ice vs heat, self recovery massage, routine modifications/active rest, and understanding your sport. For more info on this presentation, contact Keith at kmsilcox@gmail.com.

May 22 - Multi-Modal Fashion Show - Tuesday, May 22nd at 6 pm: Multi-Modal Fashion Show at the Magnetic Field. It's Strive Not To Drive Week's most stylish event: the Multi-Modal Fashion Show. Local designers and boutiques send their best walking/cycling/skateboarding/bus-riding apparel and accessories down the runway at the Magnetic Field in the River Arts District. Learn about more great Strive Not to Drive events at http://strivenottodrive.com/.

May 22 - Swing Dance - 8:30pm - 11pm at Eleven on Grove in downtown Asheville. Music by J Ray 5. Beginner Swing Classes 7:30-8:30 with Marc & Jessy Tickle (4-week cumulative series that focuses of footwork variations at the beginner level, single step, triple step, and eight count swing). $10 members / $12 non-members; Dance: $5 cover / $3 if you take the class.

May 23 - Asheville Tourists Baseball - HOME GAME! Vs. Greenville. Visit theashevilletourists.com..

May 23 - Riverdance - 7:30pm at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium in downtown Asheville. Based on Irish folk dancing styles, Riverdance was originally devised as a 20-minute intermission entertainment for the Eurovision Song Contest. There, its phenomenal reception inspired composer Bill Whelan to expand the piece into a full-length stage show, still centered around Irish music, but now telling a loose story of many different peoples who in the 20th century have found themselves émigrés. Tickets start at $50. Phone: 828-259-5544

May 23 - Turn Your Marketing into an ATM - The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce has partnered Patrick Overby, Business/Executive Coach with ActionCOACH to present “Turn Your Marketing into an ATM.” This seminar, part of Henderson County ’s Small Business Week, will be held on Wednesday, May 23rd from 8:30 am – 10:30 am at the Chamber of Commerce , 204 Kanuga Road in downtown Hendersonville . The cost to attend the seminar is $10 for Chamber members, $15 for non-members. Registration is requested by calling 828.692.1413 or emailing chamber@hendersoncountychamber.org.